It was in the midst of the pandemic, and Jamaican-born pianist/composer/author Dr. Maria Corley had some time on her hands. A fellow pianist reached out to her, offering to help with any new projects, and the seed was planted. Having released Soulscapes, a collection of works by Black women composers, on Albany Records in 2006, Dr. Corley decided it was time to return to the theme. The result: Soulscapes 2, a dynamic assortment of piano pieces by Black women composers from around the world. Some of the names may be familiar to you: Florence Price, Tania León, and Mary Lou Williams. But names that are perhaps lesser known are in the mix as well: Eleanor Alberga from Jamaica, Errollyn Wallen from Belize, Ethiopian nun Emahoy Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou, and others. You’ll even hear compositions by Dr. Corley.
It’s an eclectic assortment, ranging from soulful to slightly spiky, reflecting a range of music and musicians not readily found in the traditional stacks of classical CDs. Dr. Corley has given us a beautiful gift that expands our musical language, and opening Soulscapes 2 is sure to give you pleasure.
